Jesus’ last night with his friends offers us remarkable clarity about the life into which we are called as his followers.
John 13:1, 3-5
Jesus was keenly aware that His hour had come to depart from this world and to return to the Father. From beginning to end, Jesus’ days were marked by His love for His people.… Jesus, knowing that He had come from God and was going away to God, stood up from dinner and removed His outer garments. He then wrapped Himself in a towel, poured water in a basin, and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with His towel.
The feet which Jesus washed were nothing like our daily-bathed, sock-covered, pedicured feet. First century feet were gnarled and calloused, dusty, grimy, misshapen. Washing feet was the lowest place in the room. Peter initially refused Jesus’ offer of love. Then he came to understand Jesus’ intention.
John 13:13-14
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and truly, that is who I am. So if your Lord and Teacher washes your feet, then you should wash one another’s feet. I am your example; keep doing what I do.
DAILY REFLECTION:
How is God leading you to lower yourself today to serve someone?
What would it look like to release your status in order to love and serve?
DAILY PRAYER:
Lord ,
May we have eyes to see this day opportunities to follow your example. As you invite us to humble ourselves, to serve, to love as you have loved, may we have courage to kneel into those opportunities, to release our status, and fully embody your love to others. As we do so, may we receive and encounter your love for us as well.
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen